Tinubu, UK Foreign Secretary, Cleverly, Meet Today

•Says respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity must prevail 

•Commends AU, ECOWAS on stance over Niger democracy

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, Hon James Cleverly, MP, who is scheduled to meet President Bola Tinubu today, said yesterday that respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, self-determination and human rights must prevail alongside democracy, the rule of law, liberty and freedom.

The foreign secretary, stated this statement at a British investment meeting with stakeholders in Lagos as part of the positive vision for the UK partnerships with Africa.

Stressing that the United Kingdom has long been a friend and partner of Nigeria – and other countries in Africa – he said as Foreign Secretary, he was proud of the UK ties to the continent.

He further stated that they were underpinned by “our shared history, the diaspora communities in the UK and in African countries – as well as the countless professional connections across academia, business, defence and development.

“They are continually nourished by the precious bonds of friendship. Now – as the UK’s Foreign Secretary I’m not allowed to have a favourite continent. But if I did, it would be Africa. My mother was born here. I am proud of my Sierra Leonean roots. I am also proud of the United Kingdom’s contribution to the history of this great continent.”

Talking politics, he said, “We live through an era, when the tectonic plates of world politics are shifting decisively and a battle of ideas is taking place once again,” noting that this time, its focus was on the nature and the future of the international order, he said the UK’s position is clear on the standard for all when it comes to politics.

“Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, self-determination and human rights must prevail. Alongside democracy, the rule of law, liberty and freedom. And I know that these are your values too.

“Which is why we welcome the strong and principled stance that the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States have taken on the defence of democratic values and the constitutional order in Niger.

“These are all values that we cherish, and they are values of the UN Charter. Alongside self-determination, territorial integrity and an end to all laws of conquest and annexation.

“Russia’s attack of Ukraine and invasion of that country, is an attack on our shared values. An attack on the UN Charter and an attack on the international order. But this month Russia has hit a new low.

“We are witnessing the grotesque spectacle of a G20 nation, deliberately burning food stocks whilst there are millions of people around the world struggling to eat.”